Bedside tray-table support



Aug. 4, 1953 2,647,516

J. L. WHITAKER BEDSIDE TRAY-TABLE SUPPORT Filed June 15, 1951 I5Sheets-Sheet l Jsse Z. PVfi/fa/r e/ A77'URNEY 1953 J. L. WHITAKER2,647,516

BEDSIDE TRAY-TABLE SUPPORT Filed June 15, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V ENTOR.

3 J. L. WHITAKER 2,647,516

BEDSIDE TRAY-TABLE SUPPORT Filed June 15, 1951 3-Sheets-Sheet 3 K50 IA60 INVENTOR. JZsseL. VVfi/fa/rer BY Patented Aug. 4, 1953 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE BEDSIDE TRAY-TABLE SUPPORT Jesse L. Whitaker, Great Falls,Mont.

ApplicationJune 15, 1951, Serial No. 231,845

This invention relates generally to therapeutic apparatus and isdirected particularly to an improved support structure designed forbedside use by sick persons, although it may be used in othercapacities.

A particular object of the present invention is to provide a novel standor support structure by means of which a convenient means is providedfor supporting a tray or other object adjacent to or over a sick bedeither for the purpose of providing the occupant of the bed with meansfor supporting a magazine, book, foodtray or the like or for supportinga therapeutic instrument such as a heat cradle or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a supporting structure ofthe character stated having a novel base unit by means of which it maybe readily attached to the side frame of a bed and rigidly secured inposition thereon.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a supportingstructure of the character stated having a top structure which may beturned in a horizontal plane to any desired position and which may alsobe raised or lowered on a horizontal pivotal axis or may be raised orlowered upon a vertical supporting standard thus providing means forplacing the top structure of the support in any one of a number ofpositions for use.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in a device of theabove described character a novel means for coupling together a tray anda heat unit designed for physical therapy, the tray portion of thestructure being a permanent part of the top part of the support with theheat treating unit detachably connected therewith.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent asthe description of the same proceeds and the invention will be bestunderstood from a consideration of the following detailed descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of thespecification, with the understanding, however, that the invention isnot to be limited to the exact details of construction shown anddescribed since obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled inthe art.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a view in side elevation of a support structure constructedin accordance with the present invention and showing the same mountedupon a bed rail and further showing the table tray in dotted outline ina tilted position.

Figure2 is a view in elevation of the device looking at the outer sidethereof.

Claims. (Cl. 128-375) Figure 3 is a horizontal section takensubstantially on the line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a horizontal section taken substantially on the line 4-4 ofFigure 1, looking upwardly in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Figure 5 is a view in side elevation of the base portion of thestructure showing the manner of using the same as a pedestal to rest onthe floor.

Figure 6 is a view in side elevation of the top portion of the structureshowing in side elevation thereon a heat oven.

Figure 7 is a view in perspective of the heat oven looking toward theopen front end thereof.

Figure 8 is a view in perspective of the back end portion of the heatoven.

Figure 9 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on theline 9-9 of Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a view in top plane of the heat oven showing the coveropened to show the heating elements therein.

Figure 11 is a view in perspective of one end portion of the table trayshowing the grooved side flanges.

Figure 12 is a view in perspective of a clamp element.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings the numeral l0 generallydesignates a portion of an angle beam representing a side rail of a bedstructure, upon which the present supporting device is designed to besecured. The device may, however, be stood uponany fiat surface such asthe floor or the like as will be hereinafter set forth.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention as here illustratedthere is provided a base unit which is generally designated l2 and whichis here shown as being in the form of a frame having the side rail orbar I 4 which is preferably of angle iron material, from each end ofwhich extends one of two parallel arms l6. As shown the arms l6 extendfrom the same side of the side rail l4 and they are connectedintermediate their ends by the bar l8 which is parallel with the raill4.

Each of the arms l6 terminates in the underturned hook forming portion20 which is designed to receive the inner edge of the horizontal flangeportion of the bed rail ID with the arm lying across the top of suchflange whereby the unit I2 is disposed horizontally, and extendingoutwardly, from and with respect to the bed rail.

In order to secure the unit 12 to the bed rail when the hooked ends 20of the arms are engaged therewith as described, each arm has slidablysupported thereon a clamp element 22 which is moved up against the outerside of the bed rail and secured to the arm against movement thereon sothat the hook end of the arm cannot be disengaged from the bed rail.

The clamp elements each comprises a short length of substantiallyU-shaped material having the bottom portion 23 and the oppositeupstanding flange portions 24 through each of which is formed a slot 25.An arm 16 extends through the two slots across the bottom portion 23 ofthe clamp and there is threaded through a tapped opening 26 in thebottom portion 25, a binding screw 27 which is threaded upwardly intotight contact with the arm so as to hold the against movement on thearm.

Secured to the outer side ofthe base rail i is a vertical guide 28. Thisguide has threaded through the side thereof the set screw 29 for thepurpose about to be described.

At the ends of the base l2, each arm it? carries a brace reu standtl'ise trace reds are its outwardly directed convergent relation and aresecii'red to and support at their outer ends, upper guide '3! which isin vertital alignment with the uide 28. I I

The humeral 32 designates a vertical post or standard which extends atits lower end through the aligned guides 28 3| is secured in adjustedposition by the set screw I miserably supperted upon the upper sne r thepost '32 is the top unit which is generally designated 33. This toplinit also includes a tray iihit which is generally designated 35". andwhile it is removably secured to the top unit and may be "considered asan integral part there'orit may be removed if desired although itnormally remains as a fixed part of the top unit.

I The unit 33 com rises a horizontal bar 3t which has secured theretoand upon one side thereof midway between its ends, a socket 3 6 which,in the set up structure, is downwardly directed. Dis posed in spacedparallel relation with the bar 35 and t-eiew the same, is an angle barat, one flange of which is vertically disposed as shown and this anglebar is connected with the top bar 35 by the vertical legs 38. I I I Isecure-ti vertically t'o the outer side of the vertieal flange portionof the angle bar 31, is a guide sleeve 39. I I I The upper end ti thepost 32 extend through the guide sleeve and is positioned at its tep inthe socket 38 so that the entire 33 with the tray 3% is supported on thepost 32 its free re= tation in a horizontal plane andinay be easily andquicl'rly lifted from the post if desired.

the side er the top bar 35 opposite from the secret is a rectangularframe consisting of the spaced parallel inner and outer members t!) and'4] respectively and the connecting side new tests 42, the latter beingformed of angle iron material preferably as shown.

The inner member 49 of the top unit frame is connected by hinges ea withthe bar '35 so that the name my swing vertically.

For the bracing of the frame of the tee unit in a set position, thereare provided the two brace 4'4, each of which is pivotally attached asat 43 to a side member 4 2 of the frame and extends downwardly andacross the top edge of the vertical flangeportion of the angle bar 3?.Each of the arms '44 is provided with a number of notches 46 forengagement with the flange of the angle bar 31 to support the top unitframe in adjusted position. I I

To add to the strength and rigidity of the structure and also to providea convenient means for grasping the arms 44 to disengage them from theangle bar 31' or engage them as desired, the inner and lower ends of thearms 44 are connected by the yoke bar 41.

The tray 34 overlies the bar 35 and rests upon the frame which ishingedly attached to the bar and is secured thereto by the screws 48.This tray comprises a bottom portion &9 and the upstanding side flangesand end flanges 5i as shown. This tray may be of any suitable form orshape but it is preferred that it be of elongated rectangular design andabout twice as long as it is wide and is set upon the top unit frame sothat the long sides 50 will be parallel with the side members 42 of theframe on which it is resting.

The major portion of the length of the tray or table 34 extends beyondthe outer member 4| of the top unit frame which is the side thereofremote from the bar 35 and since the supporting structure when set upupon a bed rail has the bar 35 toward the outside or away irom the bedit will be seen that the tray or tabie proiects in: wardiy a substantialdistance over the bed beyond the top unit 33. Thus by manipulating thebrace arms 44 the top unit 'fr'ame can be tilted to that the table ortray can be placed at an elevation thus making it convenient f'or theoccupant of the bed over which the tray is placed, to position a book,magazine or the like at a convenient angle for reading.

Designed for use upon the support and for att'achrrient to the tray trtable is an electric ing unit or oven which is generally designated 52.This oven etmprises an elongated body having the side walls 53 which arecohrieted together at one end by the end wall 5h v'z'hil'e the oppositeend of the body is open and the body is also open throughout its lengthin the bottom thereof. There is thus provided an elongate even likestrilctiire which is eeen at one end and throughout the bottom. The teeof the heating strtiet re comprises a denied hood 55 which hinged alongone side as indicated at 56 to one side wall while at the opposite sidesuitable fasteners 5! are pietitled to secure the team position on theside walls of the structure. Within the domed top 55 of the heatingdevice are housed suitable electric heating units 58, the electriccurrent flow to such unit being controlled by a suitable switch 59mounted on one side wall 53.

The side walls 5'3 carry upon their inner races and adjacent to thebottom edges thereof the longitudinally extending flanges 66 and thedistanee between the lower edges of the walls 53 is substantially thesame as the overall width of the tray or table 34 so that the heatingunit or oven may be placed directly over and rested upon the tray 3-4and in order to maintain the unit in ecupl'ed relation with the tray ortable, the side flanges es of the tray are provided with thelongitudin'ally extending slots 6! which slidably receive the flanges 60of the heating unit or oven. Thus in placing the heating unit inposition it is slid onto the tray or table from one end of the latter,the flanges St being guided into the slots 5|. The heating unit or even52 would be positioned on the tray or table with the wall 54 away fromthe bed so that a per-sch lying in the bed could place his arm or leg inthe even ccnveniently and comrortabiy to receive treatmeiit from theheat generated by the heating units 58. I

It "will be "readily seen that the support of the present invention whenmounted upon a bed rail 223 in the manner described, can be raised orlowered :as desired by loosening the binding screw 29 so as to permitthe post to slide through the uides 28 and 3|. If it is more convenientto use the support on the floor this may be done by extending the lowerend of the post 32 a short dis tance below the bottom rail I4 of thebase unit 12 so as to function as a third leg in conjunction with theclamp screws 21, the heads of which would rest upon the floor surface.

From the foregoing it will be readily seen that there is provided in thepresent invention a novel and very desirable device for use particularlyin connection with a sick bed or for a person desiring heat therapy,whereby the patient will be able to enjoy many conveniences which are atthe present time not easily available with stands or tables of the typeat present in use.

It will also be apparent that the support structure when secured to theframe of a bed, will be rigidly located so that it cannot be accidentlyshifted or tipped over as is the case with bedside tables or trays whichare intended to be stood directly upon the surface of the bed.

By means of the socket 36 and guide 39, the base frame and post can beallowed to remain in position and the top unit can be easily and quicklyremoved if and when necessary or replaced without difficulty so as to beinstantly ready for use and the top unit can also be swung around to anout of the way position if it is not desired to completely remove itfrom the supporting post or standard 32.

I claim:

1. A support structure of the character set forth comprising a base, apair of vertically spaced guides carried thereby, a post slidablyengaged in said guides, means for securing the post in a guide, a topunit including a rigid member, means for mounting said rigid member onthe top end of said post, a flat body providing a tray table, meanspivotally coupling said body to the rigid member for swinging from ahorizontal position to a tilted position, and means for adjustablyholding the body in one of said positions, said rigid member comprisinga bar, the said means pivotally coupling the flat body to the rigidmember including a frame having one side adjacent to and parallel withthe bar and hinges coupling the said side of the frame to the bar, andthe said means for adjustably holding the flat body in one of the saidpositions comprising a second bar below and parallel with the rigidmember, a pair of arms each pivoted at one end to a side of said frameand extending across said second bar, a connecting member between theother ends of said arms and means for adjustably coupling the arms withsaid second bar.

2. A support structure of the character set forth comprising a base, apair of vertically spaced guides carried thereby, a post slidablyengaged in said guides, means for securing the post in a guide, a topunit including a rigid member, means for mounting said rigid member onthe top end of said post, a flat body providing a tray table, meanspivotally coupling said body to the rigid member for swinging from ahorizontal position to a tilted position, and means for adjustablyholding the body in one of said positions, said base being in the formof a rectangular unit and including two arms forming two opposite sidesof the base and each having a hook at one end for engagement with asupporting body, and a clamp on each arm for coaction with the hookthereon in securing the hook to said supporting body, the hook ends Ofthe arms being at one of the other two opposite sides of the base andsaid guides being adjacent to the other one of the said other twoopposite sides of the base from the hooks.

3. A device of the character set forth comprising, in combination, abase unit, a post supported for vertical adjustment thereon, a top unitcomprising a frame, a member supported on the top of said post, a hingecoupling between the frame and member by which the frame may swingvertically, a tray-table secured to the frame, and a limb treating heatoven removably secured on said tray-table, the means for securing theoven to the tray table comprising grooves in and longitudinally of twoopposite sides of the tray table, and ribs extending longitudinally ofthe inner sides of two side walls of the oven at the bottom edges ofsuch walls for sliding engagement in said grooves.

4. A bedside fixture adapted for support either on a bed rail or on thefloor to maintain an article in position relative to the bed; saidfixture comprising a substantially rectangular base unit including twospaced substantially parallel arms, a hook carried at one end of eacharm for engaging a flange of a bed rail when the arm is disposedthereacross, a bar connecting the other ends of the arms together, apair of alined vertically spaced guides carried by the unit, the lowerguide being secured to said bar, a clamp element supported on each armfor movement relative to the adjacent hook to engage a side of the bedrail and secure the hook to the bed rail, a post adjustably engagedthrough said guides, means carried by a guide to secure the post against-movement therein, and means carried by each clamp for and projectingdownwardly from the underside of the base unit to function as a foot torest upon a floor in coaction with the bottom end of the post when theunit is detached from the bed rail.

5. The invention as set forth in claim 4, wherein the said clamp elementcomprises a substantially U-shaped member having upstanding slotted legsthrough which an arm extends and a binding screw threaded upwardlythrough said member between the legs for engagement with the overlyingarm, said binding screw constituting the last named means whichfunctions as a floor engaging foot.

JESSE L. WHITAKER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 866,522 Scanlon Sept. 17, 1907 1,028,932 Collins June 11, 19121,046,479 McPherson Dec. 10, 1912 1,183,949 Burdick May 23, 19161,287,955 Gay Dec. 17, 1918 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 360,583Germany Oct. 4, 1922

